Modica, Sicily, Italy Mar. 2, 2024

When Italy comes to mind, iconic cities like Milan, Rome and Venice often steal the spotlight. However, on the island of Sicily lies a less famous gem—Modica. It"s a city that has risen from the rubble of an earthquake in 1693 to become an architectural wonderland of Baroque-style buildings. With fewer than 60,000 inhabitants, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts cobbled lanes, echoing with powerful footprints—from prehistoric tribes to the ancient Greeks and Romans to the medieval Arabs and Normans. Landmarks like the San Giorgio Cathedral and San Pietro Church awe visitors with their grandeur, and Modica"s recognised chocolate, crafted with Aztec-inspired techniques, tempts the palates of food enthusiasts. So, the next time Italy beckons, how about taking the road less travelled to Modica?

© Sandro Bisaro/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Nature’s own canvas
Mar. 2, 2025Megalong Valley, Blue Mountains National Park, NSW, Australia
Mar. 2, 2026Harbour and longtail boats at Ko Samui, Thailand

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Apr. 9, 2026Sgwd yr Eira waterfall, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Wales
Apr. 27, 2026The glass dome of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan, Italy
Apr. 22, 2026Earth Day
A curious little otter pup
Nov. 3, 2025World Jellyfish Day
Mar. 25, 2026Forgetmenot Pond, Kananaskis Country, Alberta
May 1, 2024Lei Day
Alps of the sea
Aug. 2, 2025Petroglyphs near Fruita in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, United States
Incan ingenuity
Mar. 17, 2025Happy St. Patricks Day!
Jun. 8, 2024Canadian Grand Prix 2024
May 24, 2025European Day of Parks
A destination for all seasons
Sharks, just living their lives
Sep. 6, 2023Rethymno, Crete, Greece
Apr. 10, 2026Siblings Day
Feb. 10, 2025Banff National Park, Alberta
Feb. 9, 2025Alstrom Point, Lake Powell, Utah, United States
Feb. 11, 2025Yungang Grottoes, Datong, China
In the tropics, land greets sea warmly
May 1, 2025Lei Day
Sep 1, 2026Horsehair parachute fungus, Belarus
Huddled and hunting
May 15, 2025Palace of Westminster, London, England
Apr. 22, 2025Earth Day
Apr. 20, 2026Buckets on maple trees collecting sap for maple syrup
Jan. 1, 2026Happy New Year!
Happy Canada Day!
Nov. 14, 2024Manarola, Cinque Terre National Park, Liguria, Italy